The Spirit Killer

CHAPTER FIVE REVEALING MEETINGS

A day later, word had gone round about what transpired the previous day between three spirits and the new spirit killer. To some spirits, it signified hope in their struggle against the evil ones, whom for so long had oppressed them; but for others it marked the beginning of disaster especially at this point in time when their plans for total control was almost being achieved. This was the situation at a factory somewhere in Ikeja. All the workers were assembled. Normally, this would not have been strange except that it was already past closing time and security around the factory had been doubled and they were heavily armed. Standing on a high platform and addressing the workers was Mr. John; by his side stood Kadeem and the three that had fought with Mark.
“My brothers you have heard it all. We cannot allow the Spirit Killer to interfere with our plans.” He was saying “Therefore, I am authorizing all of you to kill him once you have the opportunity.”
Applause and shouts of joy followed this statement. Mr. John raised his hands and they were quiet again. “Now, go my brothers and prepare yourselves for the moment that will soon be at hand.
One after the other they left the building leaving only Mr. John and his for companions. He turned to face them now. He looked at the three; he had earlier punished them for not completing their mission and for allowing the spirit killer to get the best of them.
“Take three other guys with you and complete your mission. If you encounter any trouble there are six other guys nearby waiting to assist you. Now go!”He said yelling the last two words.
They quickly left the building to do as instructed. Mr. John looked at Kadeem who stood his arms behind him.
“Are we still on schedule?” He asked him.
“Yes, sir but the vital piece should… must be procured in five days.” He replied.
“They will get it and we shall be victorious this time. Come, let us attend to other matters” he said as they both walked out of the factory followed by four well armed guys.

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Mark wasn’t really sure how it happened; all he knew was that he was seated in the well furnished sitting room of the McPearsons. He was watching ‘Lord of the rings’ on one of the cable channels. He looked away from the plasma television to his host, the elegant Mr. Fredrick McPearsons. He was giving instructions to the housekeeper, the little plump woman stood there listening attentively and nodding occasionally, before she walked. The tall, dark haired McPearsons turned to Mark with a broad smile on his face. “Are you comfortable?” He asked walking towards him.
“Yes, thank you.” Replied Mark who was still wondering what the hell he was doing here and why was did he agree to come here in the first place. It was still a wonder to him. On e minute he was at home waiting for Adept, when there was a knock on the door and to his surprise it was Sandra that stood there. She had got the address from Mark’s secretary; so she claimed and was here to invite him to her house for dinner. She was very persuasive and he didn’t want to disappoint her father. Although Mark didn’t want her to meet Adept, so he eventually agreed to go with her not without leaving a message for Adept. Now, here he was in the living room of the McPearsons and he was feeling that this was a bad idea. He felt like was here for an introduction.
“It was nice of you to accept my invitation at such short notice.” Said Mr. McPearsons snapping Mark back to reality.
“Oh, it’s not a problem really.” Said Mark with a drawl. “Why am I here exactly?”He asked looking a little confused.
“Oh!” He looked genuinely surprised. “She didn’t tell you?”
Before Mark could respond, Sandra’s voice cut across room. “Tell him what daddy?” She asked.
She was half way down the stairs with an elderly man behind her. Mark assumed that was her grandfather.
“You didn’t tell him why we wanted him here?” Came her father’s reply.
“Of course I did. I told him you wanted to meet him and have a little discussion.” She replied.
Her father made a face to her to show his disapproval. She in turn merely giggled. It was then that Mark noticed her beauty in the elegant blue gown she wore. He smiled lightly and she responded in kind.
“I just wanted to extend my gratitude for saving my daughter.” He said.
“A simple phone call would have sufficed.” Mark replied with a slight smile.
“Oh! No!” he exclaimed. “That wouldn’t do. You see, we like to thank people properly by treating them to dinner.”
Like before with Sandra, he wanted to argue but he knew he wasn’t going to win; even now he felt like arguing; but something told he wasn’t going to win this either. So he allowed the argument to die within his mind.
“I see, if that’s the case, I accept.” He replied.
“Well said, shall we move to the dining room.” He replied as he stood up and led the way. He also seized the opportunity to introduce his grandfather to Mark. They shook hands and exchanged pleasantries before moving to the dining room.
    The food was wonderful, so was the ice cream they served as dessert. Later, they all resigned back at the living room where they sat talking. Mr.McPearsons did most of the talking with an occasional words and lots of laughing from Sandra. Mark chipped in a word a or two from time to time but Sandra’s grandfather just sat at a corner pretending to read a book but secretly, he was watching Mark. He noticed but didn’t show it. He did wonder why though.
   It was past eight when Mark said goodnight to his host. Sandra walked him to the gate.
“You have a lovely family.” Commented Mark.
“Thank you,” she responded feeling a little shy walking beside him. She had dreamed of this moment but now she didn’t know what to say now that she was so close to him. He opened the gate and was about to say goodnight when she said:
“It was nice having you here. I hope we can do this again … soon … I hope?!” She said almost pleadingly.
Mark looked at her. “May be. Hope is good though “He replied smiling lightly. She responded with a broad smile that made her face even more beautiful. Mark was captivated by her eyes. They seemed to be calling out to him but they weren’t strong enough to shut down his senses that had picked up a sound behind him. He turned sharply to see what made the noise.
   Adept stepped out into the light, he was fifteen feet away from where Mark was and he wondered how Mark could have heard him drop the well-folded sweet wrapper. He walked over to where they stood.
“I got your message.” He said.
“Thanks for coming.” Mark replied then remembered Sandra. “This is Sandra.”
Adept stretched out his hands and said: “I’m Adept.”
“Please to meet you.” She responded.
Adept looked into her eyes and knew she was disappointed at his arrival. He noticed something else too.
“Sorry to barge in on you but we need to go.” He said bowing slightly to Sandra before looking at Mark.
“Sure thing.” He turned to Sandra. “Thanks again for dinner, have a nice night.” He turned to go.
“You’re welcome. Can I call you?”She asked.
He looked back at her. “That would be nice, yes.”He replied and walked away with Adept.
She shut the gate and walked back into the house. Standing at the window was her grandfather. He had been watching. He smiled as he watched Mark and Adept walk away; then closed the drapes.